Give elections a chance, PGI says<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) is
\nurging citizens of all political and religious beliefs to put
\naside differences to make next month's elections a success.<\/p>\n
In a statement, released on Friday and signed by communion
\nchairman Sularso Sopater and secretary J.M. Pattiasina, PGI
\nstressed the June 7 general election is vital to create a
\nlegitimate and \"respectable\" government.<\/p>\n
\"We call on those pursuing reforms and those losing
\nprivileges due to the reform movement to join forces and make the
\nupcoming elections a success,\" PGI said.<\/p>\n
\"We sincerely hope that all violence and conflicts will be
\nstopped to allow the elections to proceed. The elections are
\nexpected to become the first page of the new democratic Indonesia
\nwhich is free from collusion, corruption and nepotism.\"<\/p>\n
PGI also noted that recent religious and ethnic conflicts
\nwhich devastated several areas of the country showed the nation's
\n\"major failure\" in promoting peaceful coexistence among religious
\nbelievers.<\/p>\n
A conflict pitting Madurese migrants and an alliance of Dayaks
\nand Malays broke out in Sambas, West Kalimantan, in March when
\nbloody sectarian clashes in Ambon, Maluku, were barely under
\ncontrol.<\/p>\n
According to official figures, over 350 people were killed in
\nAmbon and more than 200 died in Sambas.<\/p>\n
\"We appeal to those inciting or involved in the conflicts to
\nrepent and realize that their acts were shameful. A change of
\nattitude is important for the upcoming elections to succeed,\" the
\nstatement said.<\/p>\n
PGI said it was regrettable that people of different religions
\ncould easily be provoked against each other. (pan)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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